Teen Preg Foundation appeals for funds for teenage mothers
The Founder of Teen Preg Foundation, Ms Ernestina Akosua Acquah, has called for the setting up of a fund to support teenage mothers and empower them economically.
She noted that the unexpected nature of most teenage pregnancies threw the lives of many young girls out of place and often led to a cycle of poverty.
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Ms Acquah observed that the lives of hundreds of teenagers and their babies continued to be in disarray as many did not have any viable economic activities to support themselves and their babies.
Ms Acquah was speaking at a training programme for the members of the foundation on rebuilding their lives.
The training was preceded by a clean-up exercise at the Abura Dunkwa Government Hospital by members of Teen Preg Foundation.
The Preg Foundation is aimed at promoting the wellbeing of teenage mothers and vulnerable teens.
Membership
The foundation has about 400 members including teenage mothers and vulnerable teens in the Abura-Aseba Kwamankese District.They are supported with economic and life skills to empower them to make meaningful living to support themselves and families.
Dignified living
Ms Acquah appealed to other NGOs to collaborate with the foundation to help in the reduction of teenage pregnancies in the Central Region and to support teenage mothers make a decent dignified living.
She said their sole aim was to help the less privileged and teenage mothers to be confident in life and to pursue their life aspirations.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, a teenage mother, Blessing Odame, said it was not the will of any teenager to get pregnant.
She said financial constraints compelled her to seek help from a man who impregnated her, adding that in the foundation, she had found hope and solace.
Adopt responsible sex lives
A midwife at the Abura Dunkwa Government Hospital, Ms Emelia Andoh, urged the teenagers to adopt responsible sexual behaviours to prevent themselves from being infected with sexually transmitted diseases and unexpected pregnancies by using condoms.
She said this was very essential since they could not stop them from engaging in sexual activities.
She further advised them to visit the health facilities when pregnant for proper antenatal care.
Ms Andoh advised them to be focused in life and whatever they needed in life they would surely get when they were truly determined.
Public Health Nurse, Ms Mercy Biney Quansah, commended Teen Preg for dedicating itself to the fight to reduce teenage pregnancies
Beware of freebies
A Chief Inspector with the Abura Dunkwa Police Command, Mr Ernest Donkor, advised the teenagers to be mindful of the freebies they received from men in order not to fall prey to sexual abuses.
He said while there were challenges generally, they must not be used to seek favours from men because most men would capitalise on that to sexually abuse them.
He also advised them to report parents who refused to take care of their underage children to the nearest police station since it was their responsibility to take care of their wards.